Cantonal Judge for Offences, Amsterdam District Court

Cantonal Judge for Offences, Amsterdam District Court

The cantonal judge of the Amsterdam District Court handles criminal cases involving offences, the lightest criminal offences in the Netherlands. These involve minor violations with a maximum fine of € 4,650. Unlike crimes, which are heard by the police judge, proceedings at the Amsterdam District Court are generally faster and more informal—ideal for Amsterdam residents facing a fine.

What are offences in Amsterdam?

Offences are less serious than crimes and are defined in law as 'Anyone who commits an offence...'. Typical examples in Amsterdam include traffic violations under the Road Traffic Regulations 1994 (RVV 1994), such as running a red light on the Damrak, noise nuisance during King's Day in the city centre, or public urination along the canals. The distinction from crimes is set out in Article 1 of the Criminal Code (Sr): crimes can result in imprisonment.

In Amsterdam, offences make up the majority of criminal cases, often resolved via a penal order such as a fine from the CJIB. Disagree with the fine? The case then goes to the cantonal judge at the Amsterdam District Court.

Legal basis at the Amsterdam District Court

The cantonal judge's exclusive jurisdiction over offences is laid down in Article 305 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (Sv). The maximum penalty is a fine of the third category (Article 23 Sr): up to € 4,650 for individuals and € 93,000 for companies. The procedure follows Title IIIa Sv; if you object, you receive a summons for a hearing at the Amsterdam District Court, presided over by a single judge.

The procedure at the Amsterdam District Court

It often starts with a penal order from the public prosecutor, such as for speeding on the A10. File an objection within 14 days by letter (art. 435 Sv). You will receive a summons with a hearing date at one of the Amsterdam District Court locations, such as the Palace of Justice.

At the hearing:

1. The public prosecutor presents the charges.
2. You present your defence, call witnesses, or submit evidence, such as dashcam footage from the city.
3. The cantonal judge usually delivers the judgment on the spot.

Hearings are public; request an interpreter from the Amsterdam District Court. A lawyer is not required but helpful in complex cases—the Juridisch Loket Amsterdam offers free advice.

Practical examples for Amsterdam residents

Example: A € 100 fine for parking in a disabled spot in the Nine Streets (art. 25 RVV 1994). After objection, the cantonal judge at the Amsterdam District Court hears both sides and may reduce or dismiss the fine if evidence is weak.

Or noise disturbance from partygoers in the Pijp (Noise Abatement Act): as an offence, it goes to the cantonal judge. In Amsterdam, thousands of traffic and nuisance cases are handled this way each year.

Rights and obligations as a suspect in Amsterdam

• Right to be heard and right of reply: Defend yourself and demand evidence (art. 348 Sv).
• Right to access the case file: Request the official report from the Public Prosecution Service or via Juridisch Loket Amsterdam.
• Obligation to attend: Failure to appear may result in detention of up to 8 days (art. 449 Sv).
• Appeal: Within 14 days to the Amsterdam Court of Appeal (art. 450 Sv).

Comparison: cantonal judge versus police judge

The Amsterdam cantonal judge focuses on offences, the police judge on crimes:

Read more about the police judge in our article here.

Frequently asked questions for Amsterdam

Tips for Amsterdam residents

• File objection on time: Within 14 days, online or by letter to the Public Prosecution Service.
• Gather evidence: Photos of the canals or witnesses from the neighbourhood.
• Consider mediation: For neighbour nuisance in Amsterdam via the municipality or neighbourhood team.
• Free advice: Call Juridisch Loket Amsterdam for guidance.